Background

The kiwi fruit initially comes from China, but is now produced in New Zealand, the United States, Italy, South Africa and Chile.

Kiwi is rich in vitamins C and E, serotonin and potassium and is purported to have antioxidant activity. Kiwi fruit is also known to have the highest density of vitamin C for any fruit, and is low in fat with no cholesterol. Claimed benefits of kiwi fruit, however, may be overshadowed by the growing number of reports of allergy.

Kiwi has been used preventatively to protect against respiratory illness, increase lung function and increase cardiovascular (heart) health.

Currently, there are no well-designed clinical trials regarding the efficacy of kiwi fruit; however, additional research may be warranted to investigate its use in prevention of respiratory conditions and in energy enhancement.

Evidence

DISCLAIMER:
These uses have been tested in humans or animals. Safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider.

Energy enhancement:
One study suggests that a kiwi-containing drink has beneficial effects on athletic performance. However, methodological weaknesses in this study preclude making any firm conclusions regarding kiwi's effectiveness at this time.
Grade: C

Respiratory problems (prevention):
Currently data on the therapeutic benefit of kiwi as a preventative for lung conditions is lacking. One survey study suggests that kiwi and other fruits high in vitamin C may have a protective effect on lung conditions in children, especially wheezing. However, properly controlled studies are lacking at this time. More research is warranted before a recommendation can be made.
Grade: C

Tradition

WARNING:
DISCLAIMER:
The below uses are based on tradition, scientific theories, or limited research. They often have not been thoroughly tested in humans, and safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider. There may be other proposed uses that are not listed below. Antibacterial, antifungal, antioxidant, asthma, ATP-synthesis increase, cancer prevention, cardiovascular health, cell proliferation, collagen synthesis of fibroblasts, cytotoxic activity, digestion, HIV, increasing proliferation, lung function, mitochondrial diseases, skin conditions.

Dosing

Adults (over 18 years old)

There is no proven effective dose for kiwi. As an antioxidant, doses between 150 and 500 milliliters of kiwi fruit juice have been used. For cardiovascular health, two or three kiwi fruits per day for 28 days have been studied. For energy enhancement, doses between 500 and 1,200 milliliters of kiwi fruit juice (Actinidia sinensis planch, ASP) have been studied.

Children (under 18 years old)

One study reported beneficial effects on wheezing and other respiratory conditions in children from consuming between one and seven kiwi fruits per week.

Note: This information is not intended to cover all possible uses, precautions, interactions, or adverse effects for this drug. If you have question about the drug(s) you are taking, check with your health care professional.